An early morning return visit to the Kalloni Saltpans started with a look over the small pool opposite the main entrance. 20+Ruff were feeding along with Black-winged Stilt, 1 Little Ringed Plover, Black-headed Yellow Wagtail and an absolutely stunning male CITRINE WAGTAIL (14th lifer).
Citrine Wagtail
Moving over to the main driveway the female Red-footed Falcon was still present on the overhead wires and a Little Owl was sat perched on a metal post.
The usual waders were seen on “the moat” (Black-winged Stilt, Wood Sandpiper, Ruff and Avocet) and new additions were a Common Sandpiper, 6 Black-tailed Godwit and a White Wagtail. 2 Black Storks flew over and Little and Great White Egret were fishing.
After breakfast we drove up to the Scops Owl site at the Kalloni Mini Soccer Pitch . One bird was spotted straight away and we managed excellent views as it sat tight up against the trunk of one of the Eucalyptus trees.
Red-footed Falcon (female)
The usual waders were seen on “the moat” (Black-winged Stilt, Wood Sandpiper, Ruff and Avocet) and new additions were a Common Sandpiper, 6 Black-tailed Godwit and a White Wagtail. 2 Black Storks flew over and Little and Great White Egret were fishing.
Scops Owl
Next stop of the day was the Ruppell's Warbler (15th lifer) site on the coastal road near Petra. We parked up in the layby and within 5 minutes had our first sightings of a male bird, singing and flitting about on the vegetation. Over the course of the next half an hour we had another 4 excellent views and managed to get a lovely photograph as the bird perched up against the blue seas below.
Also present from the layby were a male Eastern Orphean Warbler (16thlifer), a male Subalpine Warbler (17th lifer), male and female Black-eared Wheatear (white throated form), a Crag Martin, a Shag on the sea, a fly-by Hoopoe, Linnet and Goldfinch.
Another amazing day!!
Ruppell's Warbler
Also present from the layby were a male Eastern Orphean Warbler (16thlifer), a male Subalpine Warbler (17th lifer), male and female Black-eared Wheatear (white throated form), a Crag Martin, a Shag on the sea, a fly-by Hoopoe, Linnet and Goldfinch.
After a short drive from the Rüppell’s site we arrived in the coastal town of Molivos. Walking down to the harbour area we saw Swallow, House Martin, Swift and about a dozen Alpine Swifts. Jackdaws were present around the Castle, including several pairs entering potential nest sites in the castle walls. More Alpine Swifts were also seen here, as were Red-rumped Swallows and a pair of Black-eared Wheatear (dark throated form). Butterflies seen here were Red Admiral, Painted Lady and Scarce Swallowtail. Lizards called Anagama were also seen basking in the sunshine on the walls of the castle.
On the drive back to 2 Ravens and a male Cirl Bunting were seen near “the bandstand” area near Kalloni.
Anagama
On the drive back to 2 Ravens and a male Cirl Bunting were seen near “the bandstand” area near Kalloni.
Another amazing day!!
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